DE102020104699A1 - Procedure for automated commissioning for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention describes a method and a communication system for automated commissioning for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) terminals in an existing fiber optic network, in particular in a GPON network, comprising the following steps: Providing a first data connection between a central network entity and an optical Line termination unit (OLT unit), the central network entity managing information about changes in channel occupancy of the fiber optic network; providing a second data line between the optical line termination unit (OLT unit) and at least one unregistered optical network termination unit (ONT) Unit) which is assigned to the OLT unit; sending a first communication signal from the central network entity to the OLT unit via the first data connection, the first communication signal comprising information about channel changes of the ONT units which are assigned to the OLT unit; Sending a z wide communication signal from the OLT unit to the at least one ONT unit via the second data connection, the second communication signal comprising information about a free channel channel occupancy of the OLT unit; the ONT unit automatically determining the free channel from the second communication signal, this occupies and uses the free channel for communication with the OLT unit and / or the central network entity in order to register.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a communication system for automated commissioning for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) terminals.

The commissioning or registration of new network devices can mean that customers have to manually enter access data via websites for activation. The situation is correspondingly also with the commissioning of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) end devices. Currently, there is no known procedure that enables a customer to independently start up a router with a built-in GF modem (GF = fiber optic) simply by "plug & play" line-based when moving or moving in.

Registration or commissioning has so far been carried out in such a way that the customer has to manually enter certain data via a network address specific to the router so that the router can legitimize itself in the Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON).

For the following description, a few conceptual explanations follow.

An optical network termination is abbreviated to ONT. The Optical Network Termination (ONT) forms the user-side line termination between the optical part of the access network and the user. It is the end point of Fiber to the Home (FTTH) or Fiber to the Building (FTTB), depending on whether it is for private customers or companies. The optical network termination corresponds functionally to the Optical Network Unit (ONU). It converts the optical signals into electrical signals. The difference between the two units - ONT and ONU - is that the Optical Network Termination (ONT) is located on the company premises or on the property, while the Optical Network Unit (ONU) is outside. The Optical Network Termination receives the downstream from the Optical Line Termination (OLT) and supports broadband user services for Internet, voice, broadcast TV and video-on-demand.

It is the object of the invention to provide a method or a communication system that enables simple registration of a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) terminal.

This object is achieved with the features of the independent claims.

• Bereitstellen einer ersten Datenverbindung zwischen einer zentralen Netzwerkinstanz und einer Optical Line Termination-Einheit (OLT-Einheit), wobei die zentrale Netzwerkinstanz Informationen über Änderungen von Kanalbelegungen des Glasfasernetzwerkes verwaltet;
• Bereitstellen einer zweiten Datenleitung zwischen der Optical Line Termination-Einheit (OLT-Einheit) und zumindest einer unregistrierten Optical Network Termination-Einheit (ONT-Einheit) die der OLT-Einheit zugeordnet ist;
• Senden eines ersten Kommunikationssignals von der zentralen Netzwerkinstanz an die OLT-Einheit über die erste Datenverbindung, wobei das erste Kommunikationssignal Informationen über Kanaländerungen der ONT-Einheiten umfasst, die der OLT-Einheit zugeordnet sind;
• Senden eines zweiten Kommunikationssignals von der OLT-Einheit an die zumindest eine ONT-Einheit über die zweite Datenverbindung, wobei das zweite Kommunikationssignal Informationen über einen freien Kanal der OLT-Einheit umfasst;
• wobei die ONT-Einheit aus dem zweiten Kommunikationssignal automatisch den freien Kanal ermittelt, diesen belegt und den freien Kanal zur Kommunikation mit der OLT-Einheit und/oder zur Kommunikation zentralen Netzwerkinstanz nutzt um sich im Kommunikationsnetzwerk, insbesondere bei der zentralen Netzwerkinstanz, zu registrieren.

According to the invention, the method for automated commissioning for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) terminals in an existing fiber optic network, in particular in a GPON network, comprises the following steps:

• Providing a first data connection between a central network entity and an optical line termination unit (OLT unit), the central network entity managing information about changes in channel occupancy of the fiber optic network;
• Providing a second data line between the optical line termination unit (OLT unit) and at least one unregistered optical network termination unit (ONT unit) which is assigned to the OLT unit;
• Sending a first communication signal from the central network entity to the OLT unit via the first data connection, the first communication signal including information about channel changes of the ONT units that are assigned to the OLT unit;
• Sending a second communication signal from the OLT unit to the at least one ONT unit via the second data connection, the second communication signal comprising information about a free channel of the OLT unit;
• The ONT unit automatically determines the free channel from the second communication signal, occupies it and uses the free channel for communication with the OLT unit and / or for communication with the central network entity in order to register in the communication network, in particular with the central network entity.

In this case, the ONT unit can, for example, communicate indirectly with the central network entity via the OLT unit. So are the channels, for example 1-5 already occupied, the ONT unit then automatically occupies the channel, for example 6th . Via this channel 6th the dialogue between the ONT unit and the OLT unit or with the central network instance can now begin. The channel assignment is saved in the ONT unit so that the configuration does not have to be run again in the event of a power or line failure. Since the central network instance is informed about malfunction reports (with a defective ONT unit that may have to be replaced) as well as about new provisions (e.g. new connection contracts) or terminations, this information can be sent to the corresponding network components on time as an open order, in particular the OLT Units to be shipped. These orders can be assigned on time, whereby it is also possible to inform the customer about this assignment by e-mail and / or SMS and, if necessary, to request a confirmation from the customer.

This procedure thus advantageously enables the customer or a technician to "simply" connect the ONT unit to the power grid and to the fiber optic network and the line-based configuration runs automatically. During this configuration, the channel occupancy is preferably saved in the ONT unit and the corresponding assignments LineID / HomeID / CPL-ID etc. to the respective channel in the OLT unit and / or the ONT unit. In the event of a power or signal failure, the configuration does not have to be run again, but the values that have already been saved can be used. This makes it possible, for example, that the ONT unit can be put into operation via “plug & play” in the GPON network.

In an advantageous manner, this means that the previously defined configuration of the ONT units on site is customary for FFTH customers. The potential of this process for Germany amounts to 2 million new FFTH connections per year from 2020. The process leads to a reduction in the costs of initial start-ups, since only one fiber optic subscriber connection socket (GF-TA) has to be installed for each residential unit. Another advantage is the reduction in the cost of troubleshooting a defective device, as the customer can replace it himself and no technician is required on site. The whole process runs much faster and thus leads to an increase in customer satisfaction and a reduction in process and operating costs. For commissioning, suitable detailed sequence processes including the necessary security requirements for authentication between the ONT unit and the OLT unit and / or central network instance preferably run.

The first and / or the second communication signal is preferably sent cyclically. This reduces additional administrative work, since the sending of the signals does not have to be specifically "triggered", but the signals are sent automatically, for example, weekly, daily or hourly, in order to enable the end device to be registered. The frequency of the cycle can be freely set by an operator.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second communication signal is sent as a multicast signal (the signal that reaches all receivers in the GPON tree). Such a multicast signal is available in parallel at all end points (GF-TA) that are assigned to the individual ONT units. Typically, up to 32 GPON connections arrive on one OLT fiber, so that 32 ONT units have to be coordinated with one another. This multicast signal shows which of the 32 possible unicast channels is free and which is occupied. If an ONT unit previously unknown to the OLT unit is connected to one of the channels (GPON branches), the ONT unit can use this signal to identify which of the 32 channels is free. In the future, this can also be used at the network level 5 further end devices can be connected to the fiber optic connection via a customer's own splitter.

Preferably, the first communication signal can also include fault messages, additional fault messages and / or a token for plug & play of the ONT units. Such a token advantageously enables security queries and authentication to be carried out, which ensures that the ONT units take part in a data exchange in the network that is provided for this purpose by a network provider.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the ONT unit saves the channel occupancy of the free channel and calls it up again in the event of a power failure and / or restart and / or other malfunction. This offers the advantage that a new start-up after an initial registration can take place much more efficiently and faster.

It is also possible for the ONT unit to be integrated in a router. This offers the advantage that no additional device or unit is required to connect a router to the fiber optic cable or the fiber optic network.

The central network entity is preferably designed as a broadband network gateway (BNG). Network elements of broadband networks such as DSL and UMTS are referred to as BNG. They are part of the network of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and feed the data traffic of the end-user connections into the backbone network. The tasks of a BNG include: aggregating the data traffic from the access points (mostly DSLAMs). Termination of PPP sessions or IP over ATM sessions. A BRAS can terminate approximately 50,000 simultaneous PPPoE sessions. Enforcement of guarantees and limitations in the context of Quality of Service. The use of a BNG as a central network instance has the advantage that the BNG is already available and does not have to be installed as an additional unit and is connected to the OLT units accordingly.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a communication system is specified which is suitable and designed for carrying out one of the methods described above.

• Die Figur: zeigt das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zur automatisierten Inbetriebnahme für Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Endgeräte.

In the following, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to the accompanying figure:

• The figure: shows the method according to the invention for automated commissioning for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) terminals.

In the following, numerous features of the present invention are explained in detail on the basis of preferred embodiments. The present disclosure is not limited to the specifically mentioned combinations of features. Rather, the features mentioned here can be combined as desired to form embodiments according to the invention, unless this is expressly excluded below.

The figure shows the method according to the invention. The first prerequisite for this is the central network instance 1 , previously referred to as the Broadband Network Gateway 1 , BNG 1 , is trained. Another possible configuration of the central network instance 1 is a so-called Terrastream. The BNG 1 both malfunctions and new provision of channels are reported as information or in a database 1a of the BNG 1 deposited. Database 1a can for example be managed by a network provider. The BNG 1 or the Terrastream is administered by a platform control (PFS). In addition, the BNG 1 create a plug & play token for an end device that is to be put into operation automatically.

Via an initial data connection 2 can the BNG 1 Data with an OLT unit 3 exchange via a first communication signal. This communication signal can be sent cyclically daily from the BNG 1 to the OLT unit 3 are sent and include, for example, the data of all provisions, fault reports and the aforementioned plug & play tokens for the terminal.

In the next step the OLT unit sends 3 via a second data line 4th cyclically a “broadcast” signal to all 32 possible end devices, which in the present case are specifically provided by an ONT unit 5 are realized. At the time of provision or one day before or after, the previously unregistered ONT unit receives 5 the token and decrypts the token for authentication within a defined period of time. The broadcast signal enables the previously unregistered ONT unit 5 to select an available free channel and via this free channel the decrypted token via the second data connection 4th to the OLT unit 3 send.

In a next step, the OLT unit registers 3 the ONT unit 5 on the free channel and assigns, for example, the serial number and / or the Mac address to the LineID. Through these steps the ONT entity became 5 automatically, efficiently and quickly registered in an advantageous manner and can now be used by a customer.

Claims (8)

Process for automated commissioning for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) devices in an existing fiber optic network, in particular in a GPON network, comprising the following steps: Providing a first data connection (2) between a central network entity (1) and an optical line termination unit (OLT unit) (3), the central network entity (2) managing information about changes in channel occupancy of the fiber optic network; Providing a second data line (4) between the optical line termination unit (OLT unit) (3) and at least one unregistered optical network termination unit (ONT unit) (5) which is assigned to the OLT unit; Sending a first communication signal from the central network entity (1) to the OLT unit (3) via the first data connection (2), the first communication signal including information about channel changes of ONT units that are assigned to the OLT unit (3) ; Sending a second communication signal from the OLT unit (3) to the at least one ONT unit (5) via the second data connection (4), the second communication signal comprising information about a free channel of the OLT unit (3); wherein the ONT unit (5) automatically determines the free channel from the second communication signal, occupies it and uses the free channel to communicate with the OLT unit (3) and / or to communicate with the central network entity (1) to register. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second communication signal is sent cyclically. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second communication signal is sent as a multicast signal. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first communication signal also includes fault reports and / or a token for plug & play of the ONT units. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ONT unit (5) stores the channel occupancy of the free channel and calls it up again in the event of a power failure and / or restart and / or other malfunction. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ONT unit (5) is integrated in a router. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central network entity (1) is formed by a broadband network gateway (1). Communication system for automated commissioning for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) terminals designed to carry out a method according to one of the Claims 1 - 7th .

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